Advances in Environmental Science and Energy Planning

Jiu Valley Microregion – an area of economic, tourist-carboniferous- industrial interest

BĂDĂU ADRIAN-BOGDAN Technological Department “Retezat” Technologic High School of 16 Republicii St., Uricani, Hunedoara [email protected]

Abstract: -Petroşani coal field represents an area that benefits of two great values: the coal fields and the relief, formed by the mountains that surround the depression. In the event the coal fields will get exhausted, the other natural wealth – the relief – available in the micro region, is inexhaustible, being needed to be exploited at its true potential. A way of exploiting the natural area is by developing the industrial tourism closely related to the classical-conventional one, therefore by developing these tourism forms, the Valley Coal Field can become an area of economic, tourist-carboniferous-industrial interest.

Key-Words: technological tourism, reconstruction, tourist sector, the tower of the skip shaft, museum storage of explosive, remaining mining buildings

1 Introduction and also as tourist endowment is Straja, followed by The area and the geography of Petrosani Coal Field Parâng and Pasul Vulcan. fostered during the time and also nowadays many 6) Sport tourism is practiced throughout the coal complementary forms of tourism. The forms belong field, because of the rich hunting and fishing. to the classical-conventional tourism. Another form of the extreme sport tourism, rock Depending on the tourist motivation and destination, climbing, is practiced in the western part of the in micro region, the following forms of region, especially in the area of Uricani town, in tourism can be practiced: Retezatmountains. 1) Ecological tourism. It is practiced in the eastern 7) Business tourism starts to be practiced more and part of the depression in the Parangmountains along more in Jiu Valley, especially in Petroşani area, the Jiet Gorges, and in the western part, in Retezat because of the interest showed by hotels people, mountains; who do their best to increase the occupancy degree 2) Week-end tourism. It is practiced in percentage of their hotels. of over 90% by the population that resides here Therefore, Jiu Valley Coal Field is a tourist micro during the summer, and during the cold season, this region where all classical forms of tourism are percentage decreases because of the flow of tourists practiced. Each of these has a more or less that come from other regions. significant degree of being practiced. 3) The agritourism. It has an insignificant Following the development of some new forms of percentage in the tourist activity from Jiu Valley. tourism in the area, by accomplishing some Only in a few establishments from Petrila, Taia and technological lines to foster the practicing of the Cimpa areas, and in CâmpulluiNeag locality, which industrial tourism, a more intense tourist activity belongs, in terms of administration, to Uricani town; could be ensured, so that the area to become a pole 4) Transitory tourism. It is insignificant at present. of attraction during the whole year. In perspective, when the road that connectsJiu Valley with Herculane resort, through Retezat 2 Problem Formulation National Park, this form of tourism will be one of After 1990 an intensive development of the tourist the economic generators of the area. resorts took place, so that at present, it can be said 5) Season tourism. It is practiced specially in the that some of them, for example Staja and Parâng mountain resorts and it is based on winter sports. resorts have become real towns. To this The most developed resort in terms of infrastructure, development a great contribution had the construction of modern cable cars, chairlifts and ski

ISBN: 978-1-61804-280-4 271 Advances in Environmental Science and Energy Planning lift. In order to ensure the durable development of this tourist branch in Jiu Valley, it is needed to implement the information technology and to use the modern methods of tourist management. We consider that the adjustment to the new informational technologies represents the modality of tourism development in Petroşani Coal Field Being an isolated area, Jiu Valley must be permanently connected to the new information, new trends and changes that appear in the field of tourism. The main advantages generated by the implementation of tourist technologies, especially in the mountain regions, are: - processing the information and more efficient internal administration; - increasing the efficiency in communicating with Fig.1. Symbolic development model of Petroşani other branches of economic activity; Coal Field based on the implementation of the - the supply could be made on-line, so that the costs technologic tourist lines would be significantly reduced; - attracting new client segments (for example the The development model of the technologic tourist on-line generation). lines along with the classic-conventional tourism The implementing of the informational technology will attract infrastructural changes at tourism level at the level of the tourist units from Jiu Valley in the micro region. would significantly change the way of promoting the offer and services, by increasing the speed of 2.1 Tourist potential of development in the transmitting the useful, practical information. natural frame of Jiu Valley A problem of the tourist units from this area is that An important landscape wealth of the area, which over 75% function only seasonally, especially determined the tourism emergence and practice of during winter. winter sports in Jiu Valley, is represented by the One of the solutions of increasing the interest for grandeur of the peaks fromParâng, Vâlcan, Şureanu, this area during the entire year could be the Godeanu and Retezat mountains. development of agritourism and the development of Parâng and Retezat mountains have the richest the technologic tourism. glacial relief from the country, being crossed by The development of some tourist technological lines valleys, circuses, moraines and a necklace of glacial on the structure of the old mining units of coal lakes, among which Zănoaga Lake, the deepest from exploitation, that at present ceased their activity, the country (29 m) and Bucura Lake, the largest could represent the modality of economic recovery from the country (8,90 hectares), stand out. of the mono-industrial area, which, starting with the The caves and grottoes are other elements of the mines closure, entered a downward social-economic natural tourist potential from Jiu Valley tourist microregion, which can represent key points of way. attractiveness. As similarities in the field, Spain, Germany, Austria, From these, we mention Bolii Cave, in the eastern France or Great Britain are listed, member countries part, one of the biggest caves from Transylvania, of the European Union, which transformed old situated in the northern part of Petroşani, mines in real tourist attractions. respectively Buta Cave in the west part. Once the industrial tourist landmarks are developed, Noteworthy is that transparent stalagmites, brightly a new infrastructure, economic and technologic coloured stalactites and cave pearls were discovered development of this area would be ensured. in Buta cave. Achievement of a tourist-technologic park in the The natural tourist potential of Jiu Valley area assumes the use of the newest tourist Depression is delimited in 3 tourist sectors: technologies, and in the same time, would provide a 1) The western sector: In the west part of Petroşani continuous flow of tourist throughout the year Coal Field, is remarked, (fig.1). having been declared natural monument.

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2) The central sector: In the central part of the Field tourism from the economic region, the natural tourist potential is represented by potential of the area Straja Peak, the access being made through April- November- Strajaresort, and/or through Vâlcan mountain pass. October March The landscapes from the area are of an outstanding Uricani 7,4% 2,5% beauty, and the position and tilt of the slopes 4% 18% ensures skiing and winter sports to be practiced in Vulcan 2,8% 12% the best conditions. Aninoasa 2,6% 0,7% 3) The eastern sector: Jiu Valley Coal Field bears Petroşani 9,8% 15% the name of the main town from this region, Petrila 3,6% 1,9% Petroşani, which is situated at the foot of Parâng mountain and Şureanu mountains. It is noticed that the classic-conventional tourism From tourism development point of view, the has the highest percentage in the area of Lupeni synthetic situation presents itself as follows: (fig.2): municipality during the cold season, when the - in terms of transit and business tourism, Petroşani infrastructure of Straja resort is used, which has the municipality is the only town from Petroşani Coal highest number of tourists, and during summer Field on which territory this form of tourism is Petroşani municipality, which registered almost practiced (γ). 10% in the year of 2014, because of the other forms - from natural tourist potential point of view, the of tourism proliferation. town of Uricani and the western part of the coal The localities of Petrila and Aninoasa have the field is the most developed area (α); lowest percentage because the tourist infrastructure - from the perspective of the anthropic tourist is weak. potential, of the tourist infrastructure and the The tourism problem in Jiu Valley is conditioned by number of accommodation units development, the seasonality. central part of the coal field, represented by Lupeni The only locality that registers commercial values and Vulcan municipalities, presents the highest relatively close throughout the year is Petroşani attractiveness (β); municipality. The relatively constant flow of tourists creates a safety and stability of the jobs. This situation is not found in the other localities, most of the tourist accommodation units using seasonal staff in the related services. The plan of the local authorities from Jiu Valley is that in the next 10-15 years, the tourism to have a percentage up to 40% from the economic potential of the area. This desideratum is possible if those forms of tourism that ensure continuous flow, throughout the year, are developed. The technologic tourism or the Fig.2. The tourist potential from Jiu Valley Coal business one, can answer to such requests. The Field following solutions can be taken into consideration: - the capitalization of the potential offered by the 2.2 The classic-conventional tourism in Jiu industrial units that are to close their activity; Valley - promoting the new forms of tourism (technologic The classic-conventional tourism, at present, has and of business); a relatively low part with values between 3-18% of - creating the tourist image, a Jiu Valley brand, the economic potential from the area. supported by an adequate advertising. The values differ from a locality to another From the economic-social perspective- the depending of the existing tourist infrastructure and conventional tourism development, along the the year period, according to the data presented in business and technologic tourism (Jiu Valley mono table 1. industrial developed area- extractive industry).

Table no.1. The part represented by the economic 3 Problem Solution classic-conventional tourism of Jiu Valley Jiu Valley can represent an important tourist area in Romania, if the tourist infrastructure will be The localities of The percentage represented Petroşani Coal by the classic-conventional

ISBN: 978-1-61804-280-4 273 Advances in Environmental Science and Energy Planning modernized in order to respond to the demands of the foreign and autochthonous tourists. The strategy of the Regional Operational Program (POR) 2014-2020 regards the development of the tourism as one of the most realistic perspectives of economic growth in the peripheral and underdeveloped areas. It is considered that the development of the tourist sector from Jiu Valley Coal Field will represent the main factor of economic stimulation of the microregion. The main advantages of the tourism development are represented by: - accomplishing a durable economic base in Jiu Valley; - jobs for the inhabitants of the microregion; - promoting the traditions, the cultural and industrial patrimony; - facilitation of the cultural exchanges; - development of the public and transport services. The technological restructuring of the coal mines from Petroşani Coal Field was accomplished with the decision of the National Agency for Mineral Fig.3. The construction of the Tower of the skip Resources, approved through government decision. shaft from Paroşeni mine As a solution, the reconstruction of some remnant The tower of the skip shaft will represent one of the mining buildings is proposed, resulted after the major attractions of Jiu Valley Coal Field. The technological reorganization of the industrial construction is one of the most important and activity, such as the Tower of the skip shaft from significant surface buildings of the local extractive Paroşeni Mine or the underground mining perimeter industry. In the control room, it is proposed to create that can be redesigned in areas with tourist a space that will ensure the tourists serving. (fig.4). destination (Museum of the Explosive Storage from Paroşeni Mine). The Tower of the skip shaft from Paroşeni Mine (fig.3) was designed during 1963-1964, and the actual construction started in 1972 and ended in 1975, when also the extraction machine was put into function. The construction has the role to sustain the multi- cable extraction plant that ensures the transport to the surface of the coal extracted from underground.

Fig.4. The redesigned control room of the skip shaft Tower

The access in the top of the tower will be made through an external panoramic elevator that will transport the tourists to the height of +51,80 m, and the access in the control room, situated at the height of +56,80 m will be ensured by stairs.

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Proposal for reconstruction of the skip shaft tower is presented in fig.5.

Fig.6. Museum of the Explosive Storage (surface)

The surface reconstruction works of the Museum of the Explosive Storage consist in: - creating the handler’s room (staff for electronic maneuver). Fig.5. Reconstruction of the skip shaft tower - creating the air heating chamber will ensure the

hot air to be introduced in the storage gallery of the When tourists reach the top of the tower, they explosive materials. benefit of an area view. At this height an exhibition - the shed of the ventilation raising shaft will be gallery will be arranged, dedicated to the extraction located at the end of the ventilation raising shaft (it facility, where the tourists will be able to observe is from metal, and the roof will be made from metal the components (the engine, the gear shaft, the drum sheet). axle, the winch of the plant and the cabin of the - the hydrant, during the activity, will represent an mechanic, the operating mode, etc.). indispensable element of the explosive storage, The Museum of the Explosive Storage assumes ensuring a flow of 12 l/s of water for actions in case surface and underground improvement works. The of fire. surface works offer authenticity to the techno-tourist - the „Gate” room was used as shelter for the storage landmark, the component elements being presented watchman and has an electric panel with main in fig.6. switch. The storage is surrounded with fence made

from barbed wire on wooden pole, and the gates will be made from net on metal frames. When the mine was active, these strict security measures were required in order to prevent the access of any unauthorized person inside the explosive storage. In order to keep the authenticity of this landmark, the recommendation is to maintain the security measures. - the construction of the pyrotechnist niche will present to the tourists the way in which the chests with explosive materials, the pyrotechnists’ bags and detonators were deposited when the mine was operating. - the protection against electric discharge was an imperative element for the functioning of the explosive storage.

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The underground project of the Underground [3] X3. MarinescuValentina – Turismul industrial Museum is presented in fig.7. alternativăpentru o dezvoltaredurabilă [4] X4. Gâf-Deac, I.I. - New economy between knowledge and risk, Infomin Publishing House, Deva, 2010, (ISBN 978-973-7646-11-8) [5] X5. Romanian Government Report – Activity Ceasing Plan” for E.M. Paroşeni, Volume II. Technical Shutting-down Programme. 2011, 6959/2011-5-S0019404-P3 [6] X6. Olaru M. - The development of tourism in the West Economic Region of Romania, Hatarokesregiok: nemzetkozifoldrajzitudomanyoskonferencia. SzegediTudomanyegyetemTermeszettudomana nyi, Szeged, pp. 449–454.

Fig.7. Museum of the Explosive Storage (underground)

The underground area will be redesigned so as to present the tourists the image of a mining storage of underground explosive.

4 Conclusion It is considered that the development of the technological tourism in Jiu Valley Coal Field will represent the main economic-social argument that will lead to fundraising for financing the activities of revaluation of the hold industrial patrimony. By accomplishing the activities of tourist redesign for the remained mining buildings and areas following the process of reorganization of the exploitation activity, the following advantages are obtained: - the development of a durable economic base in Jiu Valley Coal Field; - creating new jobs; - promoting the traditions, the cultural patrimony and the industrial one; - the development of the infrastructure; - the development of the public services and of the transport ones.

References: [1] X1. Leiper, Neil - “Tourist Attraction Systems,”Annals of Tourism Research, 17, 1990, pp. 368-383. [2] X2. Kelly, Ian and Walter Dixon, “Sideline Tourism,” Journal of Tourism Studies, 2 (1), 1991, pp.22-27.

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